Realme has just dropped two new flagship smartphones in China: the GT8 and the GT8 Pro. These devices share a strikingly similar aesthetic and display, but dive deeper and you’ll find key differences in their internal power, charging capabilities, and especially their camera setups.

The Realme GT8 Pro is turning heads with its innovative swappable camera module and a powerhouse chipset, while the standard GT8 offers a slightly more accessible entry point with impressive specs for its price.

Design and Display

Both the GT8 and GT8 Pro feature a stunning 6.79-inch AMOLED display. This panel boasts a sharp 2K resolution, a super-smooth 144Hz LTPO refresh rate, and incredible brightness, reaching up to 2,000 nits typical brightness and an eye-searing 4,000 nits in localized peak areas. You can choose from three elegant colors: white, green, and blue. The green variant comes with a unique textured finish, while the white and blue options sport a sleek matte surface.

The most exciting design element belongs to the GT8 Pro: a modular rear camera housing. This innovative feature allows users to remove and replace the camera island using magnets and Torx screws. Realme has already unveiled official camera module designs in square, round, and even robot-themed shapes. They’re also actively encouraging user creativity by sharing 3D model files, so you can literally print your own custom camera designs!

Despite housing a larger battery, the GT8 Pro is surprisingly slender at 8.2mm thick, actually making it slightly thinner than the standard GT8, which measures 8.55mm.

Internals and Software

Under the hood, the GT8 Pro packs a serious punch with the Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 Extreme Edition chipset, specifically tuned by Realme and paired with a custom R1 graphics processor. The standard GT8 is no slouch either, running on the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both models come with ample memory and storage, offering up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a massive 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage.

Out of the box, both phones run on Realme UI 7.0, based on the latest Android 16, promising a modern and optimized user experience with long-term software support.

Cameras

Realme has collaborated with Ricoh to optimize the camera systems across both GT8 models, ensuring a high-quality photographic experience. The primary 50MP main sensor is identical on both devices, featuring a 1/1.56-inch size and an f/1.8 aperture. A neat feature is the support for Ricoh’s signature shooting modes: Positive, Negative, Standard, Monochrome, and High-contrast Black & White, adding a unique artistic flair to your shots.

The GT8 Pro truly shines in its camera department with a powerful 200MP periscope telephoto lens that offers 3x optical zoom and an impressive 12x lossless zoom, complete with dual-axis OIS for super stable long-range photos. It also boasts a high-resolution 50MP ultrawide camera with a 116-degree field of view. For videographers, the Pro model supports stunning 8K video recording at 30fps.

The standard GT8 features a respectable 50MP telephoto camera with an 80mm f/2.8 lens and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. While not as advanced as the Pro, these still provide solid zoom and wide-angle capabilities. For selfies, the GT8 Pro is equipped with a 32MP front camera.

Battery and Pricing

Battery endurance should be exceptional on both smartphones, thanks to their generous 7,000 mAh dual-cell batteries. The GT8 Pro pushes the boundaries with lightning-fast 120W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging for powering up other devices. The standard GT8 also offers rapid charging with 100W wired capabilities, reaching a full charge in approximately 45 minutes. The Pro model also sets itself apart with robust IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, providing superior protection against dust and water.

In China, the Realme GT8 is aggressively priced, starting at approximately $407 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration, and going up to about $575 for the top-tier 16GB RAM and 1TB variant. The Realme GT8 Pro begins at $562 for its 12GB+256GB model, with the fully loaded 16GB RAM and 1TB storage option priced at $730.

Please note that international availability and pricing are still to be confirmed and are likely to vary from these Chinese market figures.

Realme GT8 Series Specifications

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A few important details to remember: this generous discount is only for new users and cannot be combined with any other offers. Also, make sure to sign up through the web, as the promotional code won’t work if you try to redeem it via the Monarch mobile app.

We understand that Monarch Money might have a slightly steeper learning curve than some other budgeting tools, and certain aspects could initially feel more complex than necessary. However, its extensive customization options and deep level of granularity are truly exceptional, easily outweighing any initial setup challenges.

Once you’re set up, Monarch Money provides a powerful and detailed view of your financial world. The main dashboard displays your net worth, recent transactions, spending compared to the previous month, current income, upcoming bills, investments, and your financial goals. You can also explore a month-in-review page for an in-depth summary of your money’s activity and observe how your net worth changes over time.

Monarch Money connects seamlessly to your bank accounts, including Apple Card, Apple Cash, and Savings accounts. It automatically imports your transaction and balance history, intelligently detecting recurring expenses and income. The app can even keep your car’s valuation updated! While it might require a bit of initial effort to configure and personalize, Monarch Money stands out as a comprehensive and detailed budgeting app that can significantly help you track your income, expenditures, and overall net worth.

The post Our Favorite Budgeting App, Monarch Money, Has 50% Off Annual Subscriptions Right Now appeared first on Abra.

The statement, issued by the Future of Life Institute, insists on a prohibition that wouldn’t be lifted until there’s broad scientific consensus on safety and controllability, alongside strong public support. Among the surprising signatories are Nobel Prize-winning AI researcher Geoffrey Hinton, former Trump aide Steve Bannon, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen, and musician Will.i.am, highlighting the wide-ranging concern.

According to the institute’s executive director, Anthony Aguirre, the rapid pace of AI development has largely bypassed public input. “No one’s really asked almost anybody else, ‘Is this what we want?'” he noted, suggesting that AI companies and economic drivers have set this path without broader societal consultation.

To clarify, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to AI that can reason and perform tasks at a human level. Superintelligence, however, would go beyond that, allowing AI to excel even beyond human experts. While this potential has often been flagged as a serious risk to humanity in fiction and by critics, current AI capabilities are still limited to specific tasks and struggle with complex challenges like self-driving.

Despite these limitations, tech giants are pouring billions into advanced AI models. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes superintelligence is “in sight,” while X CEO Elon Musk (who has previously warned about AI dangers) claims it’s “happening in real time.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts its arrival by 2030. Interestingly, none of these industry leaders or their companies signed the statement calling for a ban.

This isn’t the first appeal for a slowdown. Just last month, over 200 researchers and public officials, including ten Nobel Prize winners, called for “red lines” against AI risks already emerging, such as mass unemployment, climate change impacts, and human rights abuses. There are also growing concerns about a potential AI bubble that could have significant economic repercussions if it bursts. The collective message is clear: the future of AI demands careful consideration and public involvement, not just unchecked technological advancement.

The post Steve Wozniak, Prince Harry & 800+ Demand Ban on AI Superintelligence appeared first on Abra.

So, what makes LoRaWAN so revolutionary? Unlike conventional networks, LoRaWAN offers unparalleled possibilities. Imagine highly scalable and incredibly power-efficient connectivity, perfect for a vast array of applications. From transforming traditional farming practices and boosting environmental sustainability efforts to powering the next generation of industrial innovations, LoRaWAN is set to redefine how we live and work.

Chaudhary Shahzad Rasheed, President Enterprise Solutions at Jazz, emphasized the monumental impact. “This is a defining moment in our journey to build a truly digital Pakistan,” he stated. “The launch of our LoRaWAN network is the crucial key to unlocking the immense potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). It will transform how businesses operate and how communities thrive by enabling seamless access to real-time data, driving innovation that will fundamentally shape Pakistan’s future.”

Ali Akhtar, Founder & CEO of DynaSys Networks, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the power of partnership. “Our collaboration with Jazz brings together their unparalleled nationwide digital reach with our specialized IoT expertise,” he explained. “This creates a powerful, unified platform for a smarter Pakistan. We extend a warm invitation to enterprises, institutions, and government bodies to join us. Together, we can harness this groundbreaking technology to unlock endless opportunities for growth, efficiency, and sustainability across every sector.”

Rest assured, this entire solution is fully compliant with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) IoT licensing framework. Critically, all infrastructure is hosted locally, guaranteeing the highest standards of data security, privacy, and sovereignty. This commitment isn’t just about integrity; it’s about fostering a secure, future-ready digital ecosystem. This LoRaWAN network isn’t just a launch; it’s an open invitation – a call for collaboration to collectively shape the future of Pakistan.

The post Jazz & DynaSys Launch Pakistan’s First City-Wide LoRaWAN, Igniting Smart City Revolution appeared first on Abra.

These days, almost everyone carries a camera in their pocket – our smartphones! And that’s fantastic for capturing memories, stunning sunsets, or those crazy, spontaneous moments. But let’s be honest, how many bland, forgettable photos fill your camera roll because you just don’t quite know how to take truly great shots?

A fantastic photo from a vacation or family get-together creates lasting memories you’ll love to revisit and share. And if you’re active on social media, eye-catching visuals are key. This article will guide you to photo success by covering optimal settings and simple yet effective composition tips, drawing insights from both myself and a professional photographer. If you’re ready to go even further, I’ll also highlight some third-party apps that offer even greater manual control. This post focuses purely on still photography; video will be a topic for another day!

Take Advantage of Your Smartphone’s Camera Setup

Most modern smartphones come equipped with two or more cameras, each featuring different lenses, sensors, and resolutions. You’ll typically find a wide (or main) lens, a telephoto lens, and an ultrawide lens. These work together seamlessly: simply pinch to zoom on your screen to frame your shot, and your phone will intelligently switch between the lenses automatically.

You’ll also notice shortcuts on your camera’s viewfinder, often marked with numbers like 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 5x, indicating different zoom levels. For the best quality, always try to use these optimal settings and avoid “in-between” digital zooms (like 2.7x) as they can degrade image quality.

Knowing which camera is best for your subject is crucial. For photos of people, the main or telephoto cameras are ideal. Their focal lengths are more flattering and reduce distortion, often creating a naturally blurred background (known as “bokeh”) that helps your subject stand out. The ultrawide camera, while great for expansive scenes, can cause noticeable warping at the edges of photos, so it’s best reserved for landscapes or architectural shots. The telephoto lens excels at bringing distant scenes closer, but try to avoid the most extreme settings (usually above 10x zoom on most phones), as your photos might become blurry or pixelated.

A quick note on your phone’s “Portrait Mode”: While it does create that desirable soft, blurred background and bokeh, it achieves this through computational processing. This can sometimes lead to issues like pixelation around your subject or an overly artificial look. For a more natural blur, switch to your main or telephoto camera, increase the zoom slightly, and then physically move further away from your subject to frame them.

Finally, and this might seem obvious but it’s often overlooked: clean your lens! Your phone’s camera can easily pick up grease or dirt, which will ruin your photos. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, any soft cotton fabric will do – just avoid tissues, as their roughness can actually scratch your lens.

Nail Your Settings

One significant advantage smartphones have over traditional cameras is their large, vibrant displays. Start by boosting your screen brightness when taking photos so you can clearly see your subject and compose your shot.

Take a moment to decide whether a vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) photo best suits your subject. Also, get into the habit of holding your phone in a way that keeps your fingers well away from the lenses – another common cause of ruined shots!

Most modern iPhones and Android models offer quick and accurate autofocus. However, if there are multiple people in your shot, the AI might focus on the wrong person. Always be sure to tap on the screen to focus on your intended subject.

Your phone usually automatically selects the exposure (the brightness or dimness) of your subject. Many devices are smart enough to average levels across multiple faces, ensuring everyone in the shot is well-exposed.

Smartphones are also surprisingly good at macro or closeup photography. Most iPhones and Androids allow you to focus very closely on subjects using the main (1x) or ultra-wide (0.5x) cameras. This opens up a world of cool shots of insects, leaves, seashells, and other natural details.

Tapping on a new subject not only adjusts the focus but also the exposure. If you tap on a dark area of the image, the camera will automatically brighten it, and vice versa. But you can also adjust this manually. On iPhones, tap a subject to bring up the sunshine icon, then slide your finger up or down to change the brightness. You can also access more settings via the down arrow and the +/- symbol. On a Pixel, open the settings (gear icon), select brightness, and use the slider.

Sometimes, you might want to lock the focus and exposure, especially when taking multiple photos of the same scene. On both iPhone and Android, achieve this by tapping and holding on your desired subject for a couple of seconds. The exposure and focus will then remain locked until you tap again. You might need to enable this feature in your phone’s settings first.

What about using the flash? It’s generally best to use it only when you truly lack sufficient light, as it can make photos look overly bright and unnatural. Compare a shot taken with and without flash in low light, and you’ll often see the difference.

Most smartphones allow you to take photos almost instantly from the lock screen, which is perfect for capturing unexpected moments. Learning your phone’s shortcut is a smart move. Recent iPhone models often have a dedicated camera button on the right side – push it once to open the camera, and again to snap a shot (the 1x main camera is usually selected). On older iPhones, a simple swipe left from the lock screen grants instant camera access. For Pixel and other Android devices, double-pressing the power or volume button typically brings up the camera app from the lock screen.

Some iPhone and Android phones also offer a setting to take RAW photos. This captures image data directly from the sensor without any automatic sharpening or adjustments, which can result in a more natural look. However, editing RAW photos requires a bit of practice, and these files take up significantly more storage space.

While most smartphones allow you to tweak settings like saturation, brightness, and contrast, it’s often best not to get bogged down in them. Even experts, like my pro photographer friend Nathanael Charpentier, advise sticking to the basics. “No complex settings, no artificial portrait mode. I just occasionally adjust the brightness when necessary,” he told me (with black and white photos being an exception). This approach frees him to “focus entirely on what matters to me: composition.”

Composition

Smartphones might not match the sensor quality of dedicated cameras, but this often encourages you to think more about lighting and, especially, composition. As pro photographers like Charpentier will tell you, whether you’re using a phone or an $8,000 camera, the most critical part of capturing a great shot is the framing.

Many photographers swear by the “rule of thirds.” This guideline suggests placing key elements, such as people or prominent landscape features, at the intersection points or along the lines of an imaginary grid that divides your photo into thirds horizontally and vertically. This creates a visually pleasing and dynamic composition. For instance, avoid simply cutting a landscape in half with the horizon line; instead, place the horizon along one of the horizontal third lines.

To help you with this, most smartphone cameras offer a grid overlay that divides the screen into thirds (turn on the “Grid” setting on iPhone or “Grid Type” on a Pixel device and choose 3×3). With the grid enabled, you can position your primary subject and other important elements near where these lines intersect. The grid also helps you keep your shots level.

Sometimes, however, a symmetrical composition is exactly what you need. If you’re shooting down a long dock or a grand hallway, centering it can effectively emphasize the converging lines. You can then subtly break that symmetry with another object, like a distant mountain, a tree, or a bird, to add interest.

Other composition tips include using diagonal lines instead of just horizontal or vertical ones to add dynamism, or incorporating curved roads or paths that naturally guide the viewer’s eye through the scene. For architectural shots, try using converging lines when looking up at tall buildings. You can also experiment with using foreground objects close to the camera (like tree leaves, a pole, or even a person) to frame your main subject. To create dramatic shots with the wide or ultrawide cameras, hold your phone as low as possible – you can even turn it upside down to get it right next to the ground.

Interesting photos often thrive on strong lighting contrast, especially shadows. To enhance this, use the exposure compensation (brightness) settings mentioned earlier to make shadows even darker while keeping your subject well-exposed. Always be on the lookout for patterns and punchy colors in your environment or subjects. Don’t be afraid to shoot straight into a light source to create dramatic, backlit silhouettes.

“Smartphones do almost everything well except scene exposure; usually the photos are too bright,” Charpentier observes. “And that’s why I very often correct the exposure of my photos. It’s a basic setting and done very simply on iPhone and most Android devices.”

As mentioned before, many smartphone cameras also excel at macro photography. Use this to capture stunning close-ups of everything from insects in nature to intricate food details. Finally, try using your camera’s black and white settings to evoke a nostalgic mood or to emphasize forms and lines without the distraction of color.

Take Your Photography Further with Apps

If you want to delve deeper into settings like shutter speed and ISO, reduce automatic or AI enhancements, shoot true RAW photos, or fine-tune noise reduction, you’ll typically need a third-party app. Here are three I recommend:

VSCO

VSCO is a popular editing and camera app available for both iOS and Android. It offers control over basic settings like exposure (with a great slider), shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. You can also separate focus and exposure points, allowing you to focus on one subject while adjusting the lighting in another area of the scene. It supports RAW capture and offers numerous filters, though many of the more advanced ones require a subscription.

Lightroom Mobile

For a strong focus on lighting and exposure, check out Lightroom Mobile. It automatically highlights overexposed areas of an image, making it easy to dial brightness up and down, change settings like ISO and shutter speed, and apply filters. Once you’re done shooting, you can continue editing your photos using many of the powerful tools found in the desktop version. While no subscription is strictly required, a paid plan unlocks some of its premium content and features.

(For iPhone users, Adobe also has an impressive new experimental app called Indigo that you can try for free. It leverages computational photography to enhance exposure and detail, aiming for more natural-looking photos.)

Halide Mark II (iOS only)

If you’re an Apple user looking for unparalleled control over almost every aspect of your smartphone camera, Halide is the top choice. Unfortunately, it’s exclusive to iOS. Within Apple’s ecosystem, it lets you shoot RAW photos with minimal processing (like sharpening) and, according to its developers, boasts “zero AI right out of the camera.” At the same time, its “Depth Mode” allows you to capture portrait shots (with artificial depth of field) of virtually any subject. It also comes with a comprehensive manual mode and advanced tools like color zebras and waveforms to assist with exposure. Halide Mark II is a premium app, priced at $60 for a one-time purchase or $20 annually.

Before diving into these powerful apps, I highly recommend practicing the basics until you feel confident taking photos in any situation. That means mastering the best use of your smartphone’s camera setup for different scenes, consistently nailing your settings, and becoming adept at composition. Once you’ve got those foundations down, apps like Lightroom Mobile will truly empower you to elevate your photos to another level – like an artist graduating from watercolors to oil paint.

The post How to Improve Your Smartphone Photography: Master Settings, Composition & Pro Apps appeared first on Abra.

Having navigated the dynamic corridors of GITEX for years, each visit to the Dubai World Trade Centre fuels an expectation of innovation that is consistently surpassed. This year, GITEX Global 2025 didn’t just meet that expectation; it redefined it.

The tone was set instantly. Imagine a law-enforcement EV, sleek and silent, gliding through the expo’s exterior, its advanced sensors scanning faces and license plates in real-time. Moments later, it seamlessly connected to Etisalat’s 5.5G network inside the main hall. This fusion of futuristic hardware and ultra-low latency connectivity wasn’t just a display; it was a statement.

Inside, the exhibition transcended mere “next-gen networks” or “AI demos.” What unfolded were complete ecosystems. One telecom operator transformed raw connectivity into an industrial framework, while a vendor demonstrated AI models training as network slices meticulously managed millions of IoT devices. With over 6,800 exhibitors, 2,000+ startups from 180 countries, and more than 1,200 investors, the sheer scale of innovation was overwhelming.

Yet, a clear theme emerged: telecommunications is no longer solely about “faster mobile for consumers.” It has fundamentally shifted, morphing into the role of platform operator, nation-builder, and enterprise architect.

For Pakistani telcos, currently navigating saturated 4G markets, nascent 5G developments, and fragmented digital revenue streams, the profound lessons showcased at GITEX 2025 offer timely insights, provided they are truly absorbed.

To truly grasp the shift, consider the e& pavilion. Here, a live 5.5G deployment unfolded before your eyes: drones streamed HD video, offshore oil-rig engineers manipulated sensors in real-time, and a female robot effortlessly interacted with visitors – all simultaneously, all powered by the same network. This wasn’t a “future” concept; it was a present-day reality in that region. If Pakistan’s telcos can embrace their next network leap as “happening now,” they possess the potential to transform from followers into frontrunners.

With that perspective, here are six concrete lessons Pakistani telcos can draw from GITEX Global 2025, anchored by real-world examples that illustrate what true innovation looks like. Applied sincerely, these insights could redefine Pakistan’s telecom narrative from one of survival to one of leadership.

1. Lead with Outcomes, Not Just Speeds

One of the most striking observations this year was the shift among global operators: they’ve stopped selling “speed” and are now selling comprehensive solutions. They’ve become proactive, actively seeking out partners to co-create ready-made, deployable solutions for enterprises.

It’s no longer about passively waiting for a logistics company to request IoT tracking. Instead, the telco arrives, presenting a “plug-and-play logistics tracking suite, powered by our network.” Similarly, instead of pondering “maybe hospitals will need private 5G someday,” the approach is “here’s a private 5G-enabled patient monitoring solution; let’s pilot it now.” This represents a profound mindset shift where telcos are not merely responding to market demand but actively creating it.

At GITEX, every major operator championed this philosophy. Their exhibits didn’t feature download tests or Mbps counters; they showcased real-world applications. This is the new definition of leadership: not theoretical capabilities, but practical, repeatable business models built upon network strength.

For Pakistan’s operators, this lesson is paramount. Stop waiting for industries to inquire about 5G’s potential. Approach them with prototypes, bundled solutions, and clear demonstrations of return on investment (ROI). By leading with outcomes rather than bandwidth charts, telcos can transform from mere service providers into genuine solution creators.

2. Stress-Test Before You Celebrate

Years of observing GITEX have taught me a crucial lesson: the world no longer launches networks quietly at press briefings. Instead, they prove them in public.

When Etisalat (e& UAE) unveiled its 5.5G network, it wasn’t just through banners and speed tests. Dubai itself became a living test laboratory. During GITEX 2025, over 200,000 people inside the Dubai World Trade Centre were simultaneously connected, streaming, uploading, running AI demos, and testing new devices. Through this immense traffic, e&’s 5.5G network remained flawlessly stable.

What truly impressed wasn’t just raw speed, but the network’s quiet reliability. 8K video streamed from drones, AI-driven safety cameras, connected bots, and hundreds of thousands of devices—all operating live and in parallel. You could sense the colossal data network toiling silently in the background, powering the bustling environment. This is the essence of real-world testing. This is confidence born of proven performance, not just marketing hype.

So, by all means, celebrate your network launch, but only after it has been rigorously tested under pressure. Don’t sell us speed tests; show us what your network can genuinely handle.

3. Merge Consumer and Enterprise Strategy

From sitting in telco boardrooms discussing enterprise deals to arguing with my wife about streaming lag, I’ve seen both sides. The surprising truth? The underlying networks often look identical; the differences lie mainly in pricing and contract terms.

At GITEX Global 2025, the message was clear: separate lanes are obsolete. The consumer network and the enterprise network are, in essence, the same road. Global operators are rapidly demonstrating this lesson. Consider converged service strategies—bundles of fixed-line broadband, mobile, and TV—that not only boost revenue but also lock customers into a comprehensive ecosystem. Or partnerships between telcos and banks for “mobile plus payment account” products, which are no longer niche enterprise tools but everyday personal utilities.

At GITEX, a family streaming device coexisted with a private wireless robot arm in a factory within the same 5.5G pavilion. The same network slice powered two vastly different use cases. It was “entertainment” and “industry” running live, side by side, signaling that your “consumer market” is rapidly becoming tomorrow’s “industrial IoT market.” There is no clean separation.

Why This Matters for Pakistan

In Pakistan, most operators still compartmentalize their business:
* Consumer team: Focused on SIM cards, bundles, video plans.
* Enterprise team: Handles separate deals, dedicated account managers, and “corporate” branding.

This model is breaking down because:
* The device in your hand that streams Netflix also controls your home camera, connects to your office VPN, and might someday remotely operate a factory robot.
* Businesses today demand the same slick user experience as consumers: “It just works, always connected.” The technical stack for a gamer with a headset versus a drone with a camera might be similar; it’s the service level, pricing, and relationship that differentiate.

If Pakistani telcos persist in treating these as distinct entities, they leave significant value on the table. Globally, smart operators are uniting their business, not dividing it.

What Pakistani Operators Can Do Right Now

* Stop marketing separate tracks. Adopt a unified network narrative: “Our network serves your home, your business, your world.”
* Develop offers that span both worlds. For example, a home and work bundle (a remote worker package), or a “family plus startup” package where the same connection supports both children’s streaming and side-business devices.
* Cross-train your sales and operations teams. Consumer salespeople should understand enterprise private wireless, and enterprise salespeople should know about home streaming. The traditional division should blur.
* Track common Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Instead of just “consumer ARPU” and “enterprise deal size,” track metrics like “network share per household” or “connected devices per customer account,” which reflect a unified reality.

When viewed broadly, the truth is simple: the difference between a “consumer” and an “enterprise” today isn’t the network itself, but their expectations. And that expectation is convergence: the same high-quality connectivity, the same freedom to use it, just for different purposes. If Pakistani telcos recognize this early and stop treating business users as a special niche, but rather everyone as a connected user, they will shape the narrative instead of merely chasing it.

4. Use Public Events as Policy Platforms

GITEX underscored the immense power of public collaboration when key stakeholders share a common stage. It wasn’t just companies showcasing technology; it was policymakers, regulators, and operators openly co-designing the future.

This spirit was pervasive. The UAE Cyber Security Council held meetings directly within the expo hall, not in secluded boardrooms. They signed live agreements with e&, Nokia, and various AI security firms, all witnessed by cameras, journalists, and the public. Government representatives from Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK openly debated spectrum pricing, AI regulation, and private 5G licensing on stage. The dialogue was constructive, data-backed, and transparent, never defensive or bureaucratic.

Such openness fosters trust and provides clear direction. When regulators, telcos, and tech companies publicly share their roadmaps, the industry aligns more rapidly, reducing confusion, inviting fresh ideas, and, crucially, cultivating a sense of collective purpose.

Now, let’s look inward. In Pakistan, most policy debates occur behind closed doors—in ministry meetings or private sessions (if they happen at all). The public rarely hears the reasoning, the research, or the alternatives considered. Consequently, when a policy is finally announced, be it on spectrum, data privacy, or taxation, it often feels like a surprise to the very people it will most impact. This culture needs to change.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT), and telcos should leverage platforms like Digital Pakistan, ITCN Asia, or even global events like GITEX for more than just setting up booths. They should be presenting white papers, publishing written recommendations, and sharing policy feedback publicly, complete with data, charts, and global comparisons.

Imagine a Pakistani telco presenting a “5G Spectrum Pricing Framework for Emerging Economies” paper at GITEX, or the State Bank of Pakistan sharing a report on its strategies for combating financial scams. This would send a powerful message: we are not waiting for others to tell our story; we are actively shaping it together.

5. Make Infrastructure Visible and Believable

In Dubai, telecom infrastructure wasn’t confined to server rooms; it was center stage. At GITEX, connectivity was palpable—visible, measurable, and alive. Holographic towers pulsed with live network data. Enormous LED walls displayed real-time coverage maps across the UAE, allowing observers to watch how the 5.5G signal responded as devices traversed different zones. But the true magic extended beyond the expo, across Dubai itself.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and local operators collaborated closely, sending live traffic and parking alerts directly to connected devices in congested areas during peak hours. If Sheikh Zayed Road experienced congestion or parking around the Dubai World Trade Centre was scarce, users received instant messages, powered by the very network celebrated inside. Even the event’s logistics underscored the depth of connectivity. Centralized registration kiosks verified attendees in seconds using QR code scanning devices connected to backend servers. Food stalls, cafes, and even small vendors were strictly cashless, with fines issued on the spot for cash transactions. This wasn’t merely enforcement; it was proof that a connected, digital economy functions effectively only when everyone adheres to the same rules.

Need to meet someone? Forget business cards or random emails. The GITEX app provided a live catalog of all 6,800 exhibitors, complete with profiles, product lists, and calendar slots. Anyone—from telco executives to AI founders and policymakers—could arrange a meeting in seconds.

Imagine if Pakistani telcos adopted a similar approach. What if the public could access real-time latency numbers or heatmaps of network congestion, updated every few minutes? Or if the PTA and operators jointly managed open dashboards where citizens could track network site rollouts or rural fiber expansion in real time? This isn’t science fiction. When people can see the infrastructure, they trust it. When they trust it, they use it more. And when usage increases, the entire digital economy flourishes.

While ads and slogans can make grand promises, true transparency and visibility are what build belief.

6. Move Beyond Connectivity – Build Platforms

I’ve been advocating for this since 2015: telcos should stop identifying as telecom companies and start thinking like tech companies. They already possess what every startup yearns for: millions of active users, verified data, and nationwide payment access. Yet, instead of leveraging this power to build innovative products, we’ve spent years repackaging the same basic services: data, minutes, and SMS. Connectivity is merely the foundation; it is no longer the product itself.

At GITEX this year, this point was profoundly clear. e& dedicated an entire section to fintech apps, smart homes, and AI-driven health tools, all built atop its network—similar to the underlying capabilities we have in Pakistan. Saudi’s STC went a step further, opening up developer APIs, enabling others to build on its infrastructure, from startups creating logistics dashboards to hospitals running remote diagnostics. In essence, the network has evolved into a platform, not just a pipeline.

Here’s the irony: Pakistani telcos arguably possess more potential than many international players. We process millions of micro-payments daily, manage verified KYC databases that fintechs would pay fortunes for, and have unparalleled reach into every city and village. This is the ideal foundation for a thriving digital ecosystem.

So, why aren’t we fully realizing this potential? Because past attempts have often fallen short. The failure wasn’t due to technology but a fundamental mindset. When telcos embark on product development, they typically treat it like a rigid infrastructure project, complete with fixed budgets, timelines, rules, KPIs, ROIs, and hierarchical command chains. Startups, conversely, operate differently. They build through rapid experimentation, embracing fast failures, and iterating even faster. Telcos, however, still approach every product idea with the rigidity of a five-year infrastructure plan.

This is why I believe that for genuine innovation, telcos shouldn’t go it alone. They should integrate startup talent—product thinkers, designers, growth hackers—or, even better, partner directly with startups that inherently understand agility, user experience, and scale. Imagine a Pakistani telco collaborating with a local fintech or AI startup, building a solution immediately deployable to 10 million users on day one. Or exporting that product globally, given that the same digital identity or solution could function anywhere from Nigeria to Thailand.

Consider the impact if a telco partnered with a company like Advergic (an ad-tech company I am currently working with), which operates at the intersection of data, advertising, and user monetization. With Advergic’s intelligence layer plugged into a telco’s anonymized user base, personalized marketing could be unlocked at a national scale. This means not just random ads, but meaningful, privacy-safe campaigns that genuinely drive revenue for local businesses.

Think about it: A telco and Advergic could help a Karachi grocery chain boost sales through targeted ad campaigns, showing discounts only to high-intent users nearby or those who have previously ordered groceries online. The next logical step? Close the loop with telco billing, allowing users to click, buy, and pay instantly through their phone account. This is connectivity meeting commerce, benefiting the entire ecosystem: the telco gains new revenue, the brand achieves smarter targeting, and the user receives more relevant offers.

This is what “moving beyond connectivity” truly entails. It’s not about merely building another app; it’s about building substantial value on top of the network you already own. Pakistani telcos have the reach. Startups like Advergic possess the innovation DNA. Together, they could export digital advertising and data-driven retail intelligence not just across Pakistan, but to the entire region.

The future telco won’t just provide data or access; it will power the digital economy that sits atop that data. And if we get this right, the next global case study about telco-startup synergy could very well be written from Pakistan.

The post 6 Essential Insights for Pakistani Telcos from GITEX Global 2025 appeared first on Abra.

As the iPad Pro approaches its tenth birthday, it’s fair to say it’s been a device that often felt like a sports car without a proper road. For years, the hardware – consistently powerful and innovative – seemed to be held back by its software. iPadOS, originally a scaled-up version of iOS, brought with it many limitations inherited from a phone-first design. Apps looked great on the larger screen, but genuine multitasking and the seamless workflow of a Mac were elusive. The common refrain was that even the “Pro” iPad wasn’t truly equipped for “real work.”

That long-standing debate might finally be over. The combination of the just-launched iPad Pro’s M5 processor and the massive iPadOS 26 update has changed everything. While some will always prefer a laptop, the iPad Pro is now a more viable alternative than ever before. iPadOS 26 introduces a completely revamped windowing and multitasking system, a background tasks API that allows heavy processes like video rendering to run while you work in other apps, more robust audio input, and a far better Files app. This brings the iPad Pro’s capabilities closer to a Mac than at any point in its history.

**Forging a New Path: iPadOS 26’s Mac-like Features with an iPad Heart**

To understand this pivotal shift, I spoke with Apple’s Ted Merendino from the iPad Product Marketing team and Ty Jordan, Product Manager for System Experiences. We discussed how Apple navigated the challenge of integrating Mac DNA into the iPad while ensuring it remained distinctly an iPad. Jordan emphasized the iPad’s incredible versatility – usable with touch, trackpad, keyboard, or Apple Pencil – as both its core strength and a significant engineering hurdle, especially when redesigning the new windowing experience.

He described a “multi-year effort” to reconfigure the underlying iPadOS architecture. The goal was to “maintain the immediacy that you’ve come to expect with a touch device, while still allowing users to have this freedom and flexibility to work across so many more windows at once.” This involved reimagining familiar Mac tools to function intuitively across all of the iPad’s input methods.

Consider Expose, the macOS feature that shows all your open windows. Apple cleverly adapted this for iPadOS 26. While a Mac uses a three-finger trackpad swipe, the iPad now leverages its long-familiar home gesture: swiping up and holding for a second invokes a bird’s-eye view of your windows, similar to how it shows open apps on an iPhone. And for those with a Magic Keyboard, the three-finger trackpad swipe works just like on a Mac. Jordan stressed, “All these pieces have to be reconsidered over and over again in order to make sure that they do feel distinct to iPad.”

**The M5 Processor: Powering the AI Future**

While iPadOS 26 represents a major revision, the M5 iPad Pro is an iterative hardware update, especially externally (the M4 model released last year was a complete redesign). However, this year’s M5 pushes the tablet further into an AI-driven world.

Merendino highlighted the M5’s faster Neural Engine, which remains the most power-efficient part of the chip for on-device AI tasks like Live Text and Subject Lift. The significant changes are found in the M5’s redesigned GPU. “Within each GPU core is the new Neural Accelerator that dramatically speeds up GPU-based AI tasks,” Merendino explained. This means much faster performance for tasks like segmenting super high-resolution video or on-device image generation. Benchmarks confirm huge improvements over the M4.

My own testing with the image generation app Draw Things showed the M5 was more than twice as fast as the M4, and four times faster than the M1. Prompts that took the M4 around 2 minutes and 25 seconds completed in about 50 seconds on the M5. Tasks like large language model token generation are a remarkable six times faster than on the M1.

Most iPad Pro users might not constantly push the M5 to its absolute limits, but this incredible power ensures the device will remain exceptionally fast and capable for many years. Apple is clearly positioning this new iPad Pro for demanding customers looking to upgrade from older M1- or M2-powered models.

**The Portability Imperative: Thinner, Lighter, and Still All-Day**

One of the most impressive engineering achievements of the M4 and M5 iPad Pros is their incredibly thin and light design, even while packing in Apple’s latest silicon. It’s almost humorous that the “Pro” is now thinner and lighter than the iPad Air – a surprising reversal of Apple’s usual naming conventions for portability.

This raises a valid question: shouldn’t a “pro” iPad perhaps be a bit thicker and heavier to accommodate a bigger battery, similar to the MacBook Pro? While the iPad Pro’s 10-hour battery life for basic tasks is good, heavy usage drains it quicker. Merendino addressed this, reiterating Apple’s ongoing focus on balancing battery life, performance, and size, with an emphasis on portability and versatility.

“Portability has defined iPad since the very beginning,” he said. “For creative pros, the iPad Pro is untethering them from a workstation.” He noted that while iPads have become vastly more powerful, they’ve also become more portable, all while maintaining the “all day battery life that we know users depend on.” So, while a 15- or 20-hour iPad Pro might not be coming soon, the trade-off prioritizes extreme portability – a key differentiator from the Mac.

**The Future: Uniquely iPad**

Rumors about future M6 MacBook Pros introducing touchscreens might spark the “Mac versus iPad” debate anew. However, just as an iPad doesn’t entirely replace a Mac, a touchscreen MacBook won’t necessarily be better than an iPad for certain tasks. The iPad remains Apple’s most versatile device, a quality Apple believes customers recognize and desire.

Jordan reinforced this, explaining that iPadOS 26’s windowing system still defaults to every app in fullscreen. This philosophy caters to the user who might be casually watching a show on the couch, and then seamlessly transitions to being a professional connected to an external display with a Magic Keyboard and multiple windows open. “And that versatility is really interesting,” Jordan concluded, “and I think customers who gravitate towards iPad are looking for that device that can go across those worlds.”

After a decade of evolution, the iPad Pro is no longer a device held back by its software. It has finally matured, offering a distinct and powerful blend of portability, performance, and versatility, carving out its own indispensable identity in the world of computing.

The post iPad Pro: M5 & iPadOS 26 Forge Its Decade-Long Identity appeared first on Abra.

Imagine an engine that powers itself without a drop of fuel or a single battery. Chinese scientists have just unveiled a plasma-based propulsion system that does exactly that, marking a monumental step forward in clean energy technology. While the initial prototype is geared for aircraft, researchers hint that this groundbreaking innovation could one day find its way into ground vehicles, including the cars we drive.

No Combustion, No Emissions

At the heart of this innovation is Professor Jau Tang and his team at the University of Wuhan. Their project offers a radical departure from traditional engines, completely doing away with fossil fuels and bulky onboard energy storage. The secret? Plasma – an ionized state of air created using microwave energy.

The process is surprisingly elegant: atmospheric air is compressed and then exposed to microwaves at 2.45 GHz, the same frequency found in your kitchen microwave oven. This interaction strips electrons from air atoms, forming plasma, which then generates thrust. The best part? The system operates without producing any emissions, smoke, or chemical byproducts.

Functional Thrust System

Early lab trials have already delivered impressive results. The prototype successfully lifted a one-kilogram steel ball vertically, proving that plasma thrust can be generated without combustion or batteries. Researchers are optimistic, suggesting that the system’s thrust capabilities could eventually rival those of smaller commercial jet engines.

While the current design is optimized for aviation, the fundamental principle—using ambient air and electric waves for propulsion—is highly adaptable. This core concept could easily be repurposed for various other transportation applications, including future cars.

Plasma Technology Applied on Earth

Plasma propulsion has been a subject of scientific study for decades, primarily in space applications where a vacuum provides the ideal environment. What makes this Chinese system truly remarkable is its ability to function effectively within Earth’s atmosphere. The key breakthrough lies in its capacity to generate thrust under normal air pressure using microwave-powered ionization, a feat previously unachieved.

For larger-scale operation, the engine would require a consistent supply of high-voltage electricity, ideally sourced from renewable options like solar or wind power. The absence of chemical fuels or heavy batteries makes this system exceptionally appealing for developing truly zero-emission transportation.

Comparison With Hydrogen and Battery Systems

Currently, hydrogen fuel cells and battery-electric systems are leading the charge as alternatives to traditional combustion engines. However, both come with their own set of limitations. Hydrogen demands complex storage infrastructure, while batteries add significant weight and often offer restricted range, especially challenging for aviation or heavy-duty transport.

By sidestepping the need for both fuel and batteries, Tang’s plasma engine introduces an innovative third path for clean propulsion, potentially overcoming the major drawbacks associated with existing green technologies.

Commercial Use?

Despite these promising developments, the technology is still in its experimental phase. The current prototype relies on a continuous supply of high-voltage microwave energy, presenting scalability challenges, particularly for larger aircraft or vehicles.

Researchers openly acknowledge that more development is necessary before this technology can be integrated into commercial aviation or automotive sectors. Nevertheless, they firmly believe this breakthrough represents a crucial initial step towards practical, emission-free engines that could redefine the future of transport.

The post China Develops Plasma Engine: No Fuel, No Battery appeared first on Abra.

Get ready to bust some ghosts this Halloween! The original Luigi’s Mansion, a beloved GameCube classic, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2 starting October 30th. This means you’ll soon be able to relive Luigi’s spooky first adventure on Nintendo’s latest console.

Nintendo is adding the iconic title to its GameCube library, accessible through the Nintendo Switch Online streaming service. However, there’s a catch for fans eager to play: GameCube titles on this service are exclusively available on the Switch 2 and require a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, which costs $50 per year. For comparison, a basic Switch Online subscription, without access to GameCube, Nintendo 64, or Game Boy Advance classics, is $20 annually.

With Luigi’s Mansion 2 (HD version) and Luigi’s Mansion 3 already compatible with the new console, the arrival of the first game means the entire Luigi’s Mansion series will now be playable on the Switch 2.

The original Luigi’s Mansion first launched in 2001 as a GameCube launch title, also marking the first game in the Mario franchise for that system. The story follows Luigi, who mysteriously wins a mansion in a contest he never entered. Upon arriving, he discovers it’s located in a dark, mysterious forest and is completely infested with ghosts. Armed with his trusty Poltergust 3000, Luigi must bravely fight and capture ghosts, solve puzzles, and unlock doors to explore every spooky corner of the mansion.

The game was a commercial success, selling 257,000 units in its first week and becoming the top-selling GameCube launch title. While it did receive a remake for the Nintendo 3DS in 2018, fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to experience this charming and eerie adventure once more on a modern console like the Switch 2. It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit!

The post Original Luigi’s Mansion Playable on Nintendo Switch 2 Starting October 30th appeared first on Abra.

Good news for citizens across Pakistan! The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has rolled out a convenient new digital payment option to simplify the process of paying service fees.

You can now instantly pay your NADRA fees using a Raast QR Code, with absolutely no additional charges. This innovative feature is now available on all token slips issued at NADRA centers nationwide.

Paying is simple: just scan the QR code using your preferred bank account app or mobile wallet. This allows for secure and instant transactions, making your experience at NADRA centers much smoother.

This initiative is a significant step towards making fee submissions faster, safer, and completely cashless. It’s designed to reduce long queues and the need for manual cash handling at registration centers. Whether you’re at home or directly at a service counter, you can now complete your payments digitally without relying on physical cash.

The Raast payment system, an impressive development by the State Bank of Pakistan, facilitates instant, low-cost, and secure payments across banks and digital wallets throughout the country. NADRA’s adoption of this system truly makes life easier for everyone.

The post NADRA Simplifies Fee Payments with Raast QR Code appeared first on Abra.